Episode 8: The Finish Line
Summary
Hosts Haley Fox and Betsy Shepard reunite retired detectives Larry Brandenburg and Darren Hager to re-examine the 1998 disappearance of Deputy John Ajay. They analyze new coroner reports questioning the suicide verdicts of two deaths at Deputy Rick Ingalls' home, revealing inconsistencies that suggest Ingalls may have been involved. After failing to secure answers from Ingalls or the Sheriff's Department, the hosts expose the lack of oversight within the LASD. The episode ends with the revelation that the FBI holds 485 pages of files on the case, promising a continuation.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship segments and show introduction
Previously on Valley of Shadows and episode recap
Reunion of detectives Brandenburg and Hager
Reviewing loose ends and internal emails in the case
Investigating the Voorhees-Strasley double death
Contradictions in coroner's reports and GSR tests
Attempting to contact Rick Engels
Sponsorship segments for ChatGPT and PayPal
Family allegations and rumors regarding Rick Engels
LASD's failure to investigate and cover-up theories
Connecting the case to other missing persons and murders
Phone call with Tom Hinkle and rock paper scissors
Leaving messages for Rick Engels and analyzing his personality
Sponsorship segments for ChatGPT and PayPal
LASD's response and lack of oversight mechanisms
Interview with retired Captain Mike Bauer on oversight
Future plans for legal action and PI licenses
Reflections at Devil's Punchbowl and the sunset
FBI records reveal and episode conclusion
Credits and call for tips
Sponsorship segments for Whoop and true crime teaser
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